Looks like I will be changing my RK front tire from NWW 130/80B17 to WWW 140/80H17. What can I expect to feel in the ride and do you think it will cause any clearance issues?

 

can't speak to fit but if the tires are the same make model u should never notice the size difference.

 

Hard to tell just from the size. I'm guessing you're going from the Dunlop OEM tire to a Metzeler or some other brand. Besides your footprint being a bit wider, load rating and speed rating as well as the design of the tread will all make a difference. I would guess your speed rating and load rating will be the same if you did your homework, the design of the tread will make a difference.

 

Why are you planning to change?! Seems odd you are asking us.

 

I want wide white walls on my FLHR and they are not made by anyone in my stock size of 130/80-17. My wheels are the smooth laced wheels which I believe were an upgrade when it was purchased. I guess the RKC has a 16" wheel because there are many options for WWW in that size.

I'm looking at the American Elite for the rear and I found a D404 140/80H17 for the front, all WWW. Unfortunately can't find D404 properly sized for the rear or the American Elite for the front so my only option for WWW is this. There is a Shinko 140/80-17 available too but I'll stick with Dunlop.

 

Ah. Sounds like the tyre companies are not keeping up with customer demand!

 

By rule its better to have the proper tire size for your rim than to change the size to get a white wall. I don't think you will notice much difference as your new tire is a little wider but the other spec (height and rim size) are the same. Like your rk 2 ropes

 

Thanks, getting ready to do my winter mods (i know i'm late) and while I have it apart to do the bars & forks figured I will do tires too since they are marginal with 12k on them.

 

Actually the rolling circumference will be greater along with the height of the tire, a 130/80-17 is 130mm wide, 104mm tall, a 140/80-17 is 140mm wide, 112mm tall. The profile, i.e. "80" is measured as a percentage of the width, you should know that as a wheel vendor.

 

I have the shinko 777/140 on the front of my 10 ultra, heres my mini review, the 140 looks badass, it gives the look of you lowered your fender and no fitment issues. now for the handling, you will lose just a little of your low speed agility but on the freeway it is way better, #1 it dosent follow rain grooves like the 130 and it rides smoother because of the taller sidewall, in the canyons on sweepers it's the same.